PennDOT addresses sign concerns

WEST VINCENT — Pennsylvania Department of Transportation representatives addressed Birchrunville residents’ concerns over the installation of stop signs and flashing lights in the historic neighborhood.

The proposed stop signs would be placed at the intersection of Flowing Springs Road and School House Lane. Warning lights, some temporary and others permanent, would also be installed in the roads leading to the intersection to alert drivers of the new signs.

PennDOT Traffic Services Manager Fran Hanney has spoken with both township administration and residents, and also the proposed developer of Birchrun Village to discuss traffic patterns and concerns.

“Given all of the factors, we decided it was important to introduce the multi-way stop to enhance the safety of the area, in association with the development, but kind of just anyway,” said Hanney. According to him, the project will improve both the intersection and part of Flowing Springs Road. “But the thing is we also decided you can’t just put the stop sign without giving motorists an adequate advance warning, because of the geometry of the road, the hills and the curbs and whatnot. Basically, what we’re trying to do is get people to slow down well in advance of this location.”

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While residents have expressed concerns since March 2012 about the area’s speed limits and the possibility of an increase in automobile crashes due to the expected increase in drivers should the development be approved by the township, they maintain that the installation of stop signs would likely increase the probability of a serious crash.

“It really troubles me that if we put a four-way stop there, we will have accidents that we’ve never had because you cannot stop coming down that hill (on Flowing Springs Road) in inclement weather,” said Suzanne Roth, who sits on the township’s environmental advisory committee. “You just can’t. I don’t care how careful you are. Once that ices over, it becomes really precarious.”

According to Hanney, the signs are necessary even more when snow, rain, or ice is on the road.

“That absolutely is a factor that we had to consider,” said Hanney. “That’s why we have such a comprehensive advanced warning plan for this thing. As far as stopping in inclement weather, you know, you are coming down this hill, you’re going around these curves; I would submit to you that if another car were to pull out, you would have to stop anyway. Now, currently you do not have any advance warning, you don’t even know an intersection is coming up. With this comprehensive installation here, the driver is going to get plenty of advance information, telling them that they need to be cautious coming through here.”

According to Hanney, the first sign will present flashing lights and read “Stop Ahead,” in order to alert motorists, especially at night or in inclement weather. Halfway between the flashing sign and the stop signs at the intersection, there will be a second un-lit “Stop Ahead” sign, as well as chevrons, curb signs and other signage.

“We want to go the extra mile here to make sure people are aware,” said Hanney. “We felt that this was the best solution to enhance safety throughout the area.”

Hanney said the proposed development is what brought the need for stop signs to the department’s attention.

“We also have to think about potential increases in volume of cars going through this area, as a result of this and other developments in the area,” said Hanney. “We don’t know what the future holds.”

But township supervisors unanimously rejected the installation’s proposal on Monday, citing the possible cost to the township, $25,000, for the project as a primary concern.

“That seems like putting the township in an impossible position,” said Miller. “I don’t want to get into the position where it looks like we’re going to approve a land development application so that we can regain $25,000.”

PennDOT representatives have spoken with Birchrun Village LLC, which is currently applying to develop the property adjacent to the intersection, regarding paying for the installation. Should the developers receive approval of the application, they would pay for the cost of the signs’ installation.

“We agree with it going in, no matter who funds it,” said Hanney.

The property proposed for development is adjacent to a school built in 1833 and formerly used as the township’s administrative building. The building is part of the area’s historic village center.